Basilan Regional Trial Court judge shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen while driving in Zamboanga City

Basilan Regional Trial Court judge shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen while driving in Zamboanga City

📌 In the early morning of Thursday, November 12, a judge of Branch 2 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Isabela City, Basilan, was shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle while driving an SUV on Tumaga-Putik Road in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City, Mindanao. Police have formed a special task group to hunt down the suspects, and the Zamboanga City mayor has offered a 2 million peso reward.

■ What happened
· The time of the attack differs between reports: around 5:25 a.m. (GMA) and around 5:50 a.m. (Manila Bulletin).
· The judge was taken to a hospital by rescuers but died from multiple gunshot wounds. Eight .45-caliber pistol shell casings were recovered at the scene (Manila Bulletin).
· Rappler reported that the judge was attacked by men on a motorcycle while driving.

■ Investigation and current status
· The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) has formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) and is conducting pursuit operations, asking the public to report tips to the nearest police station.
· Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso said he would give 2 million pesos for credible information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects (Inquirer).
· Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman and the provincial government condemned the killing, calling it a great loss to the judiciary, the community, and the rule of law.
· The suspects have not yet been caught.

■ Advisory for residents and travelers
· Since the suspects remain at large, be careful when passing through the Tumaga area of Zamboanga City.
· Information related to the incident can be reported to the nearest police station.

■ Sources
Manila Bulletin (11/12), GMA (11/12), Rappler (11/12), Inquirer (11/12)

■ Photos
· 1. Press conference at Zamboanga City Hall — Inquirer
· 2. Map showing the location of Zamboanga City — Rappler
· 3. Map showing the location of Zamboanga City — Inquirer
· 4. File photo · Crime scene tape — Manila Bulletin
· 5. File photo · Police line — GMA News